Mumbai: Forest dept silent on fate of Lokhandwala lake

Has the forest department abandoned the plan to grant protection status to Lokhandwala lake in Andheri, a crucial site for migratory bird species? In June 2022, the then Environment Minister, Aaditya Thackeray, instructed the Mangroves Cell of the forest department to declare it a forest.

Recently, the Lokhandwala Oshiwara Citizens Association (LOCA) wrote to the Mangrove Cell inquiring about the status of this declaration but has received no response. On May 29, LOCA even sent an email to the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and head of the Mangroves Cell. "We were going through some media reports about Lokhandwala Lake and found that your esteemed government body was going to take over the space as it attracts over 100 bird species and is a jewel in the crown of our area, which is a concrete jungle. We were wondering if you could update us on the same, as we would like to know the current status."

In the email, LOCA also stated that the lake was under constant attack from people who use it to catch aquatic life and birds for meat.

For more than 25 years, the residents staying in the Lokhandwala area have been trying to protect the lake in the best possible way they can, but over the years, debris has been dumped into the lake and on the sides of the road near the lake. According to nature lovers, this is one of the reasons why the lake starts drying up by the end of May/June every year.

List of birds found in and around Lokhandwala Lake: Purple swamphen, garganey duck, coppersmith barbet, white-throated kingfisher, black kite, rose-ringed parakeet, spot-billed duck, Indian pond heron, black drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus), common myna, cattle egret, and red-vented bulbul.

Lokhandwala resident Urvi Parikh said, "Lokhandwala Lake appears small and non-touristy, but it is one of the most loved spots in the bustling bylanes of Lokhandwala complex. Being born and brought up in this area, I visit this lake often. It brings in calmness. And if you are lucky, there are days when you will also find some migratory birds. It is a delight for all the nature lovers and bird watchers."

Another resident, Vivek Iyer, said, "Lokhandwala Lake is the most treasured spot for my family. We often go to unwind for mental relaxation, do yoga, and see the birds chirping. It feels like a nature reserve."

Karan Jotwani, co-founder of LOCA, said, "The Lokhandwala Lake is a hidden jewel in the crown of Andheri, as over 130 species of local and migratory birds solicit the lake, known for its rich biodiversity. This place is also a birding paradise during winter, and many wildlife photographers visit this place. I too visit it often for mental peace, and I feel that the authorities should declare it a forest so that it gets the protection status."

June 2022
Month Aaditya Thackeray instructed the Mangroves Cell to declare the site a forest